Aha was one of the two sons of Zoram, the chief captain over the Nephite armies in the eleventh year of the reign of the judges, around 81 B.C.; his brother was Lehi (Alma 16:5). After Lamanite armies struck the city of Ammonihah, destroyed it along with some people around the borders of Noah, and carried others captive into the wilderness, the Nephites sought to recover those taken (Alma 16:2-4).
Because Alma the Younger was high priest and had the spirit of prophecy, Zoram and his two sons asked him where the Lord would have them go to find their captive brethren (Alma 16:5). Alma inquired of the Lord and told them the Lamanites would cross the river Sidon in the south wilderness beyond the borders of Manti, and that they should meet them on the east of the river, where the captives would be delivered to them (Alma 16:6). Zoram and his sons crossed the Sidon with their armies and marched beyond Manti into the south wilderness (Alma 16:7). They came upon the Lamanite armies, scattered and drove them into the wilderness, and recovered every captive without losing one, bringing them back to possess their own lands (Alma 16:8).